







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Who is Mike, darling? | |
| Hey, before you go... | |
| Here you go sir, this is your receipt and your £20 cashback. | |
| That's bad, do you have a cold? | |
| Is it possible not to be able to find return tickets? | |
| I don't want to stay in this house anymore! | |
| I am, I have to be there at 12:30. | |
| That's good, seeing three houses in one day is not bad. | |
| Hi, is your cat okay? | |
| He's a... Sorry Mike, what do you do? | |
| Hello, I'm very sorry dear, I'm a bit late. | |
| Yes, that's a good idea. | |
| No, it's not okay, I'm screwed now! | |
| My friend noted here it is your wedding anniversary! | |
| Of course! It's my favourite pub. | |
| Hello, I'm sorry, but there is no chardonnay left, Cate. | |
| Thank you very much! | |
| Yes, I'm here waiting for good news. | |
| Hello guys, you must be Cate, I'm Joseph. | |
| How old do I look? | |